Low-Velocity Impact Simulation of GFRP Composite Laminates Using LS-DYNA

Reference: Virtual Testing of Laminated Composites Subjected to Low‑Velocity Impact
Authors: Mesut Uyaner, Memduh Kara, Yusuf Kepir, Alper Gunoz

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In this study, we reproduced the numerical model presented in the paper *Virtual Testing of Laminated Composites Subjected to Low-Velocity Impact* by Mesut Uyaner et al. and independently performed LS-DYNA simulations to evaluate the impact response of a GFRP composite laminate under different impact velocities.

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1. Objective

The objectives of this work are:

• Reproduce the low-velocity impact model using LS-DYNA.
• Implement the MAT_055 (Enhanced Composite Damage) material model.
• Simulate impacts at three different velocities:
  • 2.0 m/s
  • 2.5 m/s
• Investigate the structural response of a 180 × 150 mm GFRP composite laminate.
• Compare the numerical trends with those reported in the published study.

2. Model specifications

• Composite laminate size: **180 × 150 mm**
• Material: Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)
• Boundary condition: Two opposite short edges fully clamped
• Impactor shape: Hemispherical
• Impactor mass: **30 kg**
• Impactor radius: **12 mm**
• Contact algorithm implemented in LS-DYNA
• Composite material model:
  • MAT_055 – Enhanced Composite Damage
  • Tsai-Wu failure criterion

3. Results

Force–time histories for GFRP laminate impacted at a) 2.0 m/s and b) 2.5 m/s impact velocity

Force–displacement graph for GFRP laminates impacted at a) 2.0 m/s and b) 2.5 m/s impact velocity